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How Many Bags Can You Carry-On Southwest Airlines for Free?

Author : Fare Hub Desk | Published On : 11 Nov 2025

The journey to a destination is a thrilling event; every moment of it is pure fun. Nevertheless, packing may cause confusion—mostly because of the different luggage restrictions imposed by various airlines. One of the main questions that travelers ask is: How many carry-on bags can I take with Southwest Airlines, and will there be any charge for them? The good thing is that Southwest's baggage policy is one of the most accommodating ones in the entire industry. Let us make it simple for you so that you will have no doubts about what to bring along and what to leave for the airport to take from you.

What Is the Southwest Baggage Policy?

The Southwest Airlines baggage policy specifies the maximum permitted for the travelers and the sizes or weights of the bags that are permissible. While most airlines charge extra for baggage, Southwest Airlines allows free checking of multiple bags.

You got it right—Southwest is well-known for its customer-friendly baggage rules, and such rules can mean a lot of money saved for you.

Why Is the Southwest Baggage Policy Important?

If you know the rules beforehand, it will help you to:

  • Prevent unexpected charges at the airport

  • Take only the necessary items

  • Speed up your check-in and boarding

  • Travel stress-free

  • To comprehend the Southwest carry-on rules is to grasp the secret to smooth and worry-free flying.

Southwest Carry-On Rules: What You Can Bring for Free

The Southwest baggage policy carry on is very straightforward and is very easy to memorise. Each traveler is entitled to:

  • 1 carry-on bag

  • 1 personal item (which can be a backpack, a handbag, or a laptop bag)

Both of them are absolutely free to take along on board.

Size and Fit Guidelines

Your luggage has to be within the dimensions:

Carry-on: 

24 x 16 x 10 inches (wheels and handles included)

Personal item: 

It has to go under the seat (approximate size 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches)

There is no maximum weight for carry-on items, but you should be able to place your bag in the overhead compartment without help.

Thus, you can take two pieces of cabin luggage free of charge—the one in the overhead locker and the other under the seat.

Southwest Checked Bag Policy

What chiefly characterises Southwest is its checked bag policy. Most airlines will charge at least $30 for every checked bag, yet Southwest permits you to check in two bags at no cost!

Checked Bag Rules

2 free checked bags for every passenger

  • Weight limit: 50 lbs per bag

  • Size limit: 62 inches (length + width + height combined)

 

In case your bags exceed these limits, a small fee will be charged, though Southwest's baggage rates are still lower than those of most other airlines.

Extra Bags and Fees

Have to carry more than 2 checked bags? No worries, here are the Southwest baggage cost:

  • Third bag and beyond: $75 each

  • Overweight bags (51–100 lbs): $75 each

  • Oversized bags (63–80 inches): $75 each

If you follow the limits for free limitations on your bags, you will be able to save both money and time.

Tips to Follow Southwest Airlines Baggage Rules

Southwest Airlines baggage rules can be easily followed with the help of these tips:

  • Use a luggage scale to determine the weight before you depart from home.

  • Traveling light is a must. 

  • Rolling your clothes instead of folding them will save space.

  • Labels with your name and phone number should be attached to your parcel.

  • Check if there are any changes regarding baggage allowance on your flight itinerary.

Mistakes to Avoid

Mistakes occur even in the most experienced travelers. Therefore, expect the following errors:

  • Carrying an additional bag, which is a carry-on bag (only one plus a personal item is allowed).

  • Taking a big stuffed bag that cannot fit in the overhead compartment.

  • Measuring your suitcase just before the flight and later finding out it is too big.

  • If you remember these simple rules, then you will have an airport experience that is less stressful.

Conclusion

Among the baggage policies, the Southwest one is the most favourable in the airline industry. Besides that, it is:

 

  • 1 hand luggage is allowed free

  • 1 item for personal use is allowed free

  • 2 bags checked in without any charge

Thus, it is four bags, all of which are free of charge!

 

First, it would be good to find out the baggage policy of Southwest Airlines on the internet to make sure your facts are right before flying. After that, you would be wise to pack and travel with not much luggage, which is the reason that your flight will be stress-free and economical.

Are you ready to take off? Get your luggage and let Southwest take it from there!